“Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth. Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgement: nor sinners in the council of the just. For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of thee wicked shall perish.”
The virtue of charity does not consist in works per se or in being polite, but in a burning love of God. Your love of God defines you, and it should be the guide and commander of your life, for this is the path by which you will be brought to your fullest expression. Not so the wicked, not so, for without a sincere love of God that expresses itself in a way of life pleasing to Him: “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), true love cannot exist. There can only be passions, zeal for what is transient, and a focus on oneself, all of which are passing things. While those that know the love of God produce the fruit of love, those that don’t can only reach to an imperfect goodness, the low heights of being a “nice person,” with a treasure as shining as dust or chaff, that the smallest of trials, here seen in the form of wind, will knock over, unveiling the wolf beneath the sheep’s clothing, losing the beautiful gift that they are to the things of the world. Someone whose love is dust, whose work is chaff, does not rise in the general judgement to join the glorious army of Christ. “Know you not that we shall judge angels? How much more things of this world?” (Romans 6:3), which indicates that you will turn, the sword of truth in hand, and will fight against the demons that batter, enslave, and ruin. You have a place above that which torments you, and you will receive justice for what has been done. This is not so for those that know not God, for they will, unfortunately, live in their slavery to the forces of hatred. What one loves defines who they are, and if this has been set on Eternal Love, the lover of God will reign forever, but if one loves the dust of this passing world, “Dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return” (Genesis 3:19). Finally, Jesus is familiar with the way of the just, for He is the way: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). A life fastened to Him, imitating Him as nearly as possible in love and deed, is the way of the just: “With my whole heart have I sought after thee: let me not stray from thy commandments” (Psalm 118:10). Any other way is the road to destruction: “Wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat” (Matthew 7:13). This is the way that perishes, for it is the way of a heart set on things beside the Lord: “For where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also” (Matthew 6:21). Set, therefore o Theophila, your heart upon Jesus, let His immovable love for you be your entire treasure, for love for Him never fades. What was done out of love for Him is a beautiful treasure, no matter how small: “And looking on, he saw the rich men cast their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in two brass mites. And he said: Verily I say to you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: for all these have of their abundance cast into the offerings of God: but she of her want, hath cast in all the living that she had” (Luke 21:1-4). If you are a brass mite, a humble offering, but put yourself entirely into the Heart of Jesus that He may sculpt you like clay, keeping you malleable by keeping you watered with His love, the treasure that you are will be laid up in heaven, an offering seen, loved, and appreciated by the Divine Bridegroom.